Putin Raises New Demands for Ukraine Peace, Reviving NATO Security Proposals

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated he wishes "eternal peace" for Ukraine, while the Kremlin has raised new demands for a European security overhaul as a prerequisite for peace, following talks with US envoys. Moscow is reviving its December 2021 draft treaties with the US and Nato, which proposed blocking Ukraine and Georgia's membership and rolling back Nato infrastructure in central and eastern Europe. The Kremlin has also suggested adding new considerations to its demands, viewing the inclusion of European security in discussions as a victory. EU diplomat Kaja Kallas called the demands a "trap" to distract from a ceasefire, urging peace talks to prioritize a truce first. European leaders remain excluded from negotiations, with the Kremlin saying a final decision on their participation in future talks has not yet been made.